Kia has released no details, but the British magazine Autocar reported that test versions of the new model have been spotted near the company’s research facility in Germany.
Kia’s redesigned Soul hatchback will be available in an electric version, according to Autocar. Kia has released no details, but the British auto magazine reported that test versions of the new model have been spotted near the company’s research facility in Germany, and that the electric Soul will make its debut in 2014.
Back in January, Hyundai Motor Group announced a 2012 R&D budget of around $4.4 billion, saying that the lion’s share would be for hybrids and EVs, and also indicated that Hyundai would be developing new PHEV and hydrogen fuel cell models, while Kia would focus on pure EVs.
Kia launched the first Korean-made EV in December 2011. The Ray EV is outwardly identical to the 1.0-liter gas version, but has a 50 kW motor and a 16.4 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack. It claims a range of up to 86 miles, and a top speed of 81 mph. The company intends to manufacture 2,500 units in 2012, all of which will be sold to government departments.
Source: Autocar
Image: Kia
Image: Kia
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